The TRUTH About Single Speed Mountain Biking

[@kbd13-n9c]

Switching will make you strong AF 😂. Been riding SS MTB almost exclusively this year while my friends have stuck to longer road rides. Showed up to a road ride and blew everyone’s doors off especially uphill. Took a whole group to catch up and I wasn’t going 100%. I didn’t expect that.

[@calvinkirchhoff971]

In Josh's world, the goal of everything is to make it more like a BMX bike. Next video is gonna be "My Honest Thoughts of Trail Riding my 20" BMX"

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Hahaha so true 😂😂 I just built up the Rip Cycles frame and it’s legitimately just a big bmx bike lol

[@calvinkirchhoff971]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy can’t wait for the vid on that😎

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Video will go up next week! But you’ll see it this weekend 🤙 Stoked to see you man!

[@calvinkirchhoff971]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy YEW me too broski!!🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@manitolas]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jackcarter233]

I started SS after an injury 10 years ago. One gear, all year for last 10 years. 1 speed is all u need. Honest simplicity with purity of mission. Stay hardcore.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Amen brother 🤘

[@micktaylor5024]

Please chuck the music. I’m autistic. Just hearing your voice is enough for me. Excellent teachings. I’m 74 and not ready to go out the back door. I’m looking forward to applying new skills when I ride my old Norco P11 single speed dirt jumper.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Right on, thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like a fun bike!

[@matthewoehler7201]

I only ride SS now and it changed my perspective of riding. I have a much more 'go with the flow' mentality now and am not so focused on speed. I get to a big hill and it just is what it is, it's gonna be hell and hurt but the satisfaction of getting over it is like nothing else. I've done plenty of centuries and bikepacking trips on the SS and I'm never going back, the simplicity is unbeatable.

[@adamcvanwinkle]

One of my favorite things about single speed hardtails is that they are so simple. There’s nothing to think about other than the trail and carrying your momentum. The hills are a little too steep and long where I live to go SS full time but I do change it up from time to time

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Agreed, I love the simplicity!

[@hardtailjefe]

I suggest people trying single speed. It is indeed a challenge but like you said it will Improve your riding. It taught me how to carry speed better and read the trail better.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Exactly! Plus it just changes things up, great for people who want a fresh take on they’re local trails!

[@qualm43]

on XC single track, YES single-speeding makes you faster. Committing to a gear that is FAST is like having a coach yelling at you to pedal faster. When I have my shifter installed, I just downshift and spin up the hill comfortably. When I am riding single speed, I attack the hill from the bottom to get momentum and battle speed to keep momentum throughout the hill. The harder the gear ratio, the faster my rides. Strava average speeds are 2.8 MPH (31%) faster when I'm riding single speed compared to when I'm riding geared.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Exactly, great way to explain it! Cool that you have the data to back it up too!

[@bosshadowrock]

As I got to be a more advanced mountain bike rider, I started riding steep technical trails to keep myself interested, but at the end of the day, that stuff will injure you. Riding a SS allowed me to get excited again about less crazy trails. Also, you learn to be a better climber on your SS, which helps me when I'm on my geared bike. I now hit the bottom of a climb with more speed and am better balanced as I pedal.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Absolutely! Makes boring trails fun again!

[@mtbikesam68]

Converted single speeder here. I agree with the change of thinking about climbs and similarly, it is my favorite thing about single speed. I will say, I feel like it is best suited to XC riding. I did about 1100 miles on my single speed in 2023 and plan on exceeding that in 2024. I ride a 32x19 gear on a titanium hardtail that comes in at about 22lbs. For me, distance has not been a problem, but I have built up my fitness since switching to SS. I completed the BT Epic in Missouri in October, 50 miles, 5,300 ft. of climbing, in five hours and nineteen minutes! It's not for everyone, but everyone should at least try it. I love it. Thanks for your video!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice man, thanks for sharing your experience!

[@psullivan265]

I singlespeeded for over 20years on and off. My last being a Niner Air Nine Carbon with Niner bars,carbon fork,stem, seatpost, Niner engraved Hope hubs and a 55inch gear. She was the most brutally efficient bike I ever rode. The mk1 eccentric BB was a bit creaky tho, made it a love / hate thing in the end. Never will a bike teach you more about pedalling technique and line choice than a SS. Very, very underestimated by too many people. But once you know... .

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Good stuff man, thanks for sharing!

[@charlie_bear2011]

I had my first proper MTB was a Kona Humu in 2006, and a 24hr race. My Humu is my only bike I can confidently say I will never let go of. It's an awesome way to teach new/better ways to ride. I went from SS MTB, to bike polo, to a track bike (with brakes). I've loved all of it, and I feel it's made me a much more capable rider, even when I've ridden with gears. Last thought: a SS mate of mine used to say "riding SS is riding in the wrong gear 90% of the time. But that 10% shreds and feels more awesome than anything else"

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha that's a great quote, thanks for sharing!

[@Noop-Noop56]

Yo! Ss for life! Try pairing larger rings and cogs. When the wheels the chain rotates around a larger number of teeth it bends the chain less and spreads the load across more links and teeth which equals less pedal resistance! I run 32/21 or 34/22.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ok cool, I’ll look into that! Thanks man!!

[@miketatreau2347]

I've been riding a singlespeed mountain bike for 25 years, and I've encountered lots of mountain bikers who didn't spare their negative comments. One of the most common criticisms I heard was that it wasn't possible to ride a singlespeed very far. I'd love to see them say that to the singlespeeders who go hundreds of miles in the Colorado and Arizona trail races every year, and the ones who go 2,700 miles in the Tour Divide. On a separate note, leaving your bike in one gear to see if you like singlespeeding is well-meaning but lousy advice. It's not an accurate comparison at all. First of all, not only does your bike feel different without the gears and derailleur, but it also is surprisingly more efficient without them.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Couldn’t agree more, especially with your second point! I always have people ask why I don’t just run gears and leave it in the same one, and if they take me up on my offer to try my bike out the immediately feel the difference!

[@Mk3Lew]

After many years riding bmx and dirt jump bikes, including many years where I had to ride to and from the trails before I could drive I found that when riding a bike with multiple gears in a seated position I didn’t have the fitness in the different muscles that you use to pedal in a seated position. And I found myself grinding up hills in a higher gear because that’s what my body is used to. Trying to sit and spin a lower gear up a climb I’d end up shifting down a gear every few seconds until I had no more left and was riding at 2mph in pure misery. I recently set up my Specialized Fuse singlespeed, with a 30-16 gear ratio and 29” wheels. It’s also got adjustable dropouts so there’s no need for a tensioner. And I found riding much more fun like that. Never having to think about what gear to be in for a particular section of trail and just being able to stand up on the pedals and power through everything suits my riding style much more. It’s also great to not have to worry about smashing the derailleur to pieces on rocks or in a crash (plenty of crashes in the winter mud here in England!) so I can just focus on having as much fun as possible and focus on the trails a lot more.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Man does that sound familiar! It’s cool hearing from other guys with a BMX/DJ background who have had a similar experience to what I’m having now!

[@noelbrown6771]

I went on a roadie training ride once with a group with several single speed (fixes actually) riders along. Those cats took the climbs like beasts! Momentum

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I believe it! It’s crazy the way it makes you rethink clombing!

[@Rawkus919]

So true on the climbing. Feels strange going back to gears and sitting down. Has made my climbing heaps better.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I hope that it will transfer over if/when I switch back to gears!

[@techjeeper8800]

You have three gears. Sit, Stand and Walk. I love having a SS bike and ride it a ton locally but I usually travel with a geared bike.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha so true!

[@paulpatriot1776]

I’m 57 years young , in my 35th year riding mtb and I just started riding single speed single track.🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Never to late to find something you love!! Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@nathangant7636]

1:07 “…due to the fact that my RSD Middlechild has adjustable dropouts…”. Enjoyed seeing your gearing setup. I use IRD/Tange sliding dropouts on my IGH 3-speed MTB. There’s not many hills to climb in my area, so anything beyond these three gears is covered by what I can put in with pure leg muscle only. IMHO a 30T chain wheel creates the granny gear. OTOH with a selection of rear sprockets, you can pick how you’re going to tackle the uphill terrain using that front sprocket. I’m using a 42T chain ring in front and a 16T rear sprocket on a 26in frame and 1.25in. wide tires. A street bike for the time being. I get 50 gear-inches in #1, 68 gear-inches for #2, and top gear #3 with 93 gear-inches. A good general purpose ride in the city. I recently did about 20 miles as a road trip on that setup, but the frame is Ti which helps for long rides. If I was going off road for a long stretch, the 2in wide tires would be going back on and I'd end up pedaling in low gear only. The other two high gears would be useless for the most part. Having a dozen gears on a bike doesn't always make it into a better ride. My other bike is a single-speed steel frame beach cruiser with a 44T/18T set up, which I calculate at 63.6 gear-inches. OK for hard surfaces and short runs on the flats, but not something I would use for a MTB ride.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks for sharing, sounds like some cool bikes!

[@Gbark713]

I do label myself a hardtail 26” single speeder on Strava because I think it is worth mentioning as far as my times vs everybody else on full suspension 29 inch geary bikes, and possibly the fact that I’m in the top ten of my local trail sections might turn someone on to SS. It just is more fun.

[@nakitojimo2001]

I've riding my SS hardtail 26 since 4 years ago n have done what u did...it's true, more fun n more power to the legs!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s awesome!! Who knew it’d be so much fun?!

[@nakitojimo2001]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy : Actually there are 3 speed of SS : Sit down pedaling, stand up pedaling or push the bike uphill 🤣

[@StaggerLee68]

There is a product called Gear Clamp, it makes swapping cogs out very easy on a long ride or bike packing with just a 2.5mm hex wrench. I run two ( one inner most on the driver) as a back up in case of failure. They have never failed, though. I keep the other cogs on the driver for easy swapping or Dingle speed setups. You might dig them. Cheers

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks for letting me know Brian, I’ll look into them!

[@StaggerLee68]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy They've been bombproof fer me. And no more lock ring or tools, groovy. I bought 3 and glad for it. Cheers

[@brianwarshow129]

I run the same set up and quite like it. Well played, Sir.

[@dan.k7578]

Great video! Really like how you bike looks. I come from BMX and after a view years break, i wanted to ride again. I was thinking about a MTB Hardtail, but all that gimmicky clutter on a MTB turned me off. Luckily i found the perfect mix for my situation with a Dirtjump bike. One break, single speed almost as simple as my BMX but with so much more options. It's like having a BMX for the forest/trails. Single speed is such a different style of riding. When i change my gear ratio, i lose so much bike control for a view days until everything feels "normal" again(that's why manuals are more easy on a single speed). Also the cranking is different, i don't turn my cranks all the time i just give it a view strikes and roll until repeat. I couldn't imagine sitting on a seat and turning the crank all the time to go forward.

[@drbyers]

I was just the opposite. I rode single speed for a decade and loved everything about it EXCEPT not being able to clear the steepest of technical climbs. I eventually caved in and bought a geared bike for that very reason. I still own a singlespeed but I’ve come to love being able to clear everything no matter how steep.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice! Ya there’s definitely a pretty low ceiling for me when it comes to long technical climbs, but I’ve felt like the SS improved my ability to do more quick powerful climbs. Admittedly though that’s largely because it forces you to learn to climb aggressively, so I think if you can retain that when switching back to a geared set up all the better!

[@danielmcalpine3416]

15 years of ss with a geared brake in between. Love a ss ride. No stress over gears not running perfect, no excuses. If I suck, I suck. can't blame the bike

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

I think what a lot of people don't account for when they think that climbing will be too hard on SS is that people rarely even want to climb trails that are steep or technical anymore in the first place.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

True! I’ve found the SS to make those techy climbs a lot more fun, and therefore somehow easier!

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy and then when the climb is straightforward and not steep, you can hammer up it and people don't understand how you go so fast! Sometimes it's because fast is the only option, sometimes it's just cuz it's more fun!

[@joevuch7981]

You should try going full rigid sometime. Climbing is even more fun and aggressive. Downhill on a full rigid also makes you a better rider though definitely not as fast

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I’d love to try it sometime! RSD makes a rigid plus bike called the Sergeant that looks like a ton of fun!

[@sandy_knight]

Regards the wheelie/manual thing, I'd say if its anything to do with weight its more likely to be reduced weight on the handle bar than the back wheel. The derailleur sits right on the back axle balance point where as the shifter is at the other end of the lever/bike. I love single speed for bombing around the local woods and general street riding or commuting. I've even ridden my DJ bike on bike park DH trails and never felt under geared. I wouldn't take a single speed on any really long climbs though.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Interesting take on the reduced cockpit weight, seems so marginal but maybe that’s it!

[@sandy_knight]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy My comment above should have read "the other end of the *lever*/bike" (I've edited it now). It doesn't weigh a lot but it's far away from the balance point.

[@dangeraardvark]

It's better to attack a technical uphill section while in a higher gear, so it makes sense you were having more fun on the SS. It's a lot easier to spin out and lose traction in a low granny gear.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Totally! You end up charging the climbs vs cruising them, which is way more fun!

[@frank8278]

Amazing bike you have ! Paradox v3 owner here. Living in the PNW, I have some very steep hills to attack out here and it is hard for me to do the swap to single speed, but great video overall! If I move to a different territory I will definitely try it out !!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you for the kind words, always been a Banshee fan and would love to get on an Enigma one day. Where in the northwest are you at? Bend OR is our home base and there’s not a ton of elevation change in most of the trails, so the SS is perfect, and I just throw on the smaller cog for riding Bachelor/The Lair

[@frank8278]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I live in Portland and riding Gatesway Green for bike park, and then my local trails. There is a lot of steep uphills but i really like the simplicity of the single speed and the very low maintencance.

[@shawnpritchard366]

Rigid single speed for the win!!!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I really want to try one!!

[@superevilbrian]

Most of my singlespeed rides are 30-50 miles (lolz, all of my rides are single speed or fixed gear) but I'm usually not riding gnarly singletrack but generally mellow trails, unpaved streets and alleys. There are trails and "roads" that are 22% or more but I'm slowly walking those. I also don't own a car so I do errands or go places and take off-pavement routes where I can. The longest single speed ride I've done is 125 miles but that was mostly smooth trails and the broken pavement of a rail trail. I've done sections of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and other routes in Washington and Oregon singlespeed. While my skill at technical trails and gnarly singletrack is humbling I still can't imagine riding it on a geared bike. There's people who do ultra bikepacking races single speed. Riding with one gear is far easier than people think; the biggest part is getting out of the mindset that being distracted by a bunch of gears instead of focusing on the trail or road and being present is difficult. It's a different style or perhaps a different rhythm of riding. On our social rides here in Portland, the people on geared bikes stop every 12 minutes or with the slightest change in grade and it's annoying.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That's pretty awesome, keep it up!

[@Mrdayz]

There is one point I disagree with. Singlespeed does make you cooler. It also makes beards bushier and craft beer taste better.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha tell that to my wife 😂

[@matto4222]

Good video man. Because of you I am going to pull the trigger on a middlechild.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I appreciate it man! And I couldn’t recommend it more, it’s an awesome bike. Use the discount code Josh5off to save 5% on their website 🤙

[@npalmi88]

I got a Spot Rocker SS belt drive carbon. Love it

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s rad!! I’ve always wanted to own a belt drive bike, such a brilliant concept!

[@hellojrod]

Love the choice of having 9-11 speeds. I have more fun with all the gears than just one.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Super dope that there’s options for everyone, it’s all about having fun 🤙

[@1a2b3c4.]

My first bike back in the 70s was what we called a 10 speed racing bike. That meant 5 in the rear and 2 in the front. Today road bike companies have adapted the cassettes from mountain bikes to make riding easier and sell more bikes. In all reality the industry is hurting the rider because with bigger cassettes the more you end up pedaling. I learned that a hill is climbed faster by using the smallest cog than the big one. Like I mentioned the industry wants to make it as easy as possible to sell more bikes and the rider ends up getting used to easy gears. Go small and go fast. Go big and go slow. Is that simple.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Assuming adequate strength, than yes! Sadly most riders, myself included, aren’t quite at the level you seem to be at

[@johnsmithers284]

There is no way you can say low cadence riding is better. You'll get up the hill faster but you'll be exhausted and done with your ride at the top of the hill.

[@michaelrieser9928]

Never thinking about should I be in this gear or that gear, it’s not an option so you make what you got work. Something spiritual about that. A BMX racer beat me to the top of Mount Tamalpias one afternoon 1900 feet above sea level. 1985 single speed bmx, maybe 24 inch wheels. I had I think 24 speeds on a early mountain bike.😅 I remember thinking dam I want to be able to ride a bike like that guy!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Right?! Turns out we don’t need that 50t cassette after all! That’s a cool story, thanks for sharing!

[@rangi0072]

👍 another great video man I’m really keen to try this

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Do it!! And let me know what you think!

[@goforbroke2]

I’ve been single speeding exclusively for the past 4 years now. I’m a bigger dude 240lbs so I put the power down…….and break things unfortunately. Many sets of pedals, broken connecting chain links. My Hope hub has been solid though. Just a heads up. SS is not for everyone but it will definitely make you a better rider and get you in awesome riding shape. You’re running a 30x18 set, must not be a lot of big hills where you ride lol.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha I feel you! I’m running an 8 speed chain on if and haven’t broke any links yet! I travel full time so the terrain is always different, so I often switch it up, 30:18 has felt like a good sweet spot though!

[@AlienLivesMatter]

The reason why some gears riders are slow is they misjudge how much momentum they lose switching down to easy gears. Single speed riders are faster in those circumstances.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

True!

[@josh33172]

Been riding and racing SS since about 2008, and as bike have gotten longer and slacker with bigger heavier tires, they've kind of fell off a bit. When I started was around the time 29ers came onto the scene and companies looked at it as a sheer improvement over the 26" counterpart it was replacing. In my opinion, if you're going to ride a long travel bike, single speed is probably not the best option, there is just far too much compromise. All the things engineered into the bike to make it go downhill faster really work against single speed ie. dropper post (more weight), big chunky heavy tires (more weight) long travel fork (more weight and a worse standing position to put power down while climbing). Also, if you've noticed, the industry have basically stopped making "TALAS" type forks so you don't get a lower standing climbing position. Additionally, modern geometries...mostly the super steep seat tube angles work against the optimal single speed climbing position...out of the saddle. Sure a dropper post works, but you have drop it, lift it, drop it, lift it constantly...and every time you drop it, you're not pedaling and losing speed. Droppers are for descents, not climbing.. As Josh mentioned, if you're on long rides, this is eating into your energy even more. The best markets for single speed is XC and trail...no more than 130-140 fork travel. I currently own an Ibis T29 (Tranny29) running a 120 and a Santa Cruz Chameleon running a 140. I did have the Honzo ST, but because of the STA, I only kept the bike for about 2mo. before selling it for the Chameleon that retained a slack 73deg STA. Look, I don't claim to be some kind of badass, but someone with an intimate experience with single speed and have done plenty of 6/12/24hr races on single speed including Old Pueblo. I have done many many epic rides/races...and yes, my experience is definitely more focused in the realm of XC/technical trail riding, but given that I've been doing it for so long, I feel like I do know the ins and outs of the discipline. I will just say this....manage your expectations, but also approach it with intelligence, you'll be doing more with less.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

All great feedback, thank you for sharing Josh! I think what you’re bang on if you’re talking about SS from a racing perspective, but I’m not sure I agree with it as a blanket for all SS MTB. I treat my SS more like a long travel, clickable dirt jumper than an XC racer, and the single speed has the same benefits here as on a DJ; less to break, less weight, and no worry of dropping chains under load or doing fakies/crankflips etc. I guess the same tool is helpful in both situations! On a side not, I definitely agree with you on the STA, just got my first steep (77 dgree) seat tube hardtail and hate it haha, feel way to far forward. I see the advantage if you really want to max out reach, but I'm not, see I just end up feeling super cramped

[@josh33172]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy The steep STA is really the deal breaker for me, but I also see it as a general problem because with it so steep, your out-of-the-saddle pedaling position is quite a bit forward of the bottom bracket. It's fine on really steep stuff when you have to winch your bike up a climb but in that middle area its just in the way. For your purpose, if you spend more time sessioning features and jumps, I feel like your saddle will be dropped more often, and I can see it not being a hinderance, and I'm sure its just fine for you, but if you're doing more general trail riding..technical trail/XC stuff, I personally feel you're better off improving your skills than overbiking, but everyone's gotta start somewhere. But this is also where bikes like the Santa Cruz Chameleon really shine...not too aggressive but still provides enough bike to be able to take risks and make mistakes, but also....run it geared until you really start developing the skills and then swapping over to SS!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

True, and I think it all depends on your use! I always tout aggressive hardtails as a great one bike quiver; I’ve podiumed at an XC, enduro, and dual slalom race on the same weekend on the same bike, and worked as an instructor at a lift access bike park for a season on that bike as well. I think steepening the HTA too much takes it out of contention for aggressive enduro/bike park riding. That said my dad always blows me away with the stuff he’ll ride on his 70 degree HTA XC race bike haha! Might not be getting through stuff as fast as on a slacker bike, but you can still poke your way through if you have the skill!

[@PLAHI]

Got fired up about SS few years ago. I was running oval front 34x17 (2:1 ratio) with a DMR STS on the back to get the tension (26" tires). It was quite alright, I switched to a standard round front and it is a little bit harder. I want to drop the DMR on the back, so I am going for a gusset half-link to see if it will fit the length (having vertical drop outs). Also switched to a rigid frork on the front. Makes you SO present in the moment, every bump is right there in your face. Gets me back to my school days...plain fun. Still pushing off my bike on the steepest hills :D

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s cool, I like that you’ve been experimenting with different setups! Keep it up 🤙

[@arnauddechamps855]

you make a very good point, the RD is a bad design, I broke several of them just on stupid things...It is really annoying. I think you got a point, might be worth trying...but the rear pull axle setting is sth you do not have on most Enduro bikes

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

It’s liberating loosing that dang thing haha, highly recommend it!

[@stumac1]

Great vid and insights . I ‘m thinking of converting my old 26r all mountain full sus bike to SS for winter hacking . Is this insane ?I’m curious to know what you think . I might need to pick up a second hand air shock with lock out for muscling up the climbs however … the bike has 6” of travel

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

It sounds like it’ll be a workout, but a damn fun one haha! And if you’ve got an extra bike lying around why not 🤷‍♂️ Let me know how it goes!

[@dgriffinm]

I love single speeds, and I have had three of them.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

They’re awesome!!

[@joema2044]

longest single speed ride: 32miles 6k elevation. Been riing SS 20yr, No problem, passing up gear riders all the time. sticking it to the man $$ very very cheap to maintain a quality bike (chrisKing, titanium, etc)

[@Speedy.V]

10 miles ...what. 10 miles is my warm up. But you do you brah. Nice bike.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you! I’m more of a quality over quantity guy I guess 🤷‍♂️

[@aldrinclementina4297]

Hi there. New subscriber here. lol. I'm building a single speed for short rides in the neighborhood. As soon I'm going to hit trails? I'll take my xc bike. And yeah I'm at the office right now. I will hop on the bike later.. 🤣

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice man, thanks for the subscribe! Enjoy the new single speed setup, it’s a blast!

[@outdoorboy115]

About how much does it cost to switch to singlespeed

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Good question! Assuming you already have the tools, it’s super cheap! A cog will cost anywhere between $20-$50 and if you need a chain tensioner is also around $20.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

I thought single speed was a dumb endeavor until I tried it. It is really fun. Moreso as a 2nd bike though. Kind of like a manual transmission in your car instead of an automatic. It is worse as a vehicle, but more enjoyable somehow.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha good analogy! Or maybe the equivalent of driving a Miata vs a Supra; you find the edge easier, which makes it more fun and exciting, (not to mention improves your driving/riding ability) even though you’re probably going slower haha

[@JustSnowglow]

Gotta disagree with your last point in the intro: Singlespeed does 100% make you cooler.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Tell my wife, she still thinks I’m super lame 😂

[@leggoego]

Placebo is an underrated modality

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha couldn’t agree more!

[@oceanandtrail]

Switching cogs at the trailhead is not simplicity....pic a ratio and adapt to it based on the trail. The "quiver" idea is a marketers dream. Even for cogs:)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

To each there own! I’m not strong enough to ride my DJ cog on an XC ride and my local dirt jump spot requires a pedal in, so it’s either switch cogs or throw my cassette back on 🤷‍♂️

[@elononoras1902]

The moment I heard LONG and 20 MILES in one sentence, I understood this is not a channel for me ;DDD

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Lol probably not, I come from the BMX world and that is very much channeled into my MTB. It's not uncommon for me to go on a three hour trail ride that only covers five miles, because I'm constantly stopping to unlock new lines or try to throw tricks into new places. But that's the beauty of our sport, there's something for everyone!

[@aimanmohamed8212]

Seronok bawa Singlespeed niii!

[@stefantud300]

What chain would you reccomend? Would a 8/9/10 speed chain work? Would the 8 speed chain's wider body help with durability?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Exactly! Any 1/8” chain; I’m running a BMX chain right now and it’s solid!

[@scstinger5]

I found that 8 speed 3/32” works best with most cogs. Most cogs are made for 3/32” chains and when used with a 1/8” the chain will pop off when riding aggressively. I do have 1 single speed with a 1/8” chain and that’s been my experience (even if the chain tension is tight) 🤙

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Good to know, thank you!

[@superevilbrian]

When I ran SRAM/Shimano 8-speed chains I found I had to adjust chain tension after just about every ride. I switched to a (cringingly spendy) Izumi-V Super Toughness Narrow chain and haven't had to adjust tension after the initial settling in period. I'm running a round stainless steel Wolftooth 32t chainring and 18t Profile thread-on freewheel (it replaced an 18t White Industries trials freewheel). It's been solid.

[@cch424132]

What are your average bike ride lengths? I’m 230 lbs ride a hard tail in Orange County we have techs climbs for our limited areas but plenty of gradient shifts to justify the pain and gain. Though after 2 hours of going up and down 10 to -10 degrees I’m wiped. I powerlift throughout the week when I’m not on the road bike. Looking forward to trying this out as a workout to challenge myself.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

For me the SS setup definitely limits the number of miles/hours I can knock out it one ride. As a power lifter I’m sure you understand the correlation between volume and intensity, and climbing on a SS is definitely at a higher intensity than with a granny gear. So if you’re main goal is to ride for longer it might not be the best option, but if you want to ride faster and (IMHO) have more fun on shorter rides then it’s the way to go! That’s just my perspective though, I’ve heard in the comments of people doing some ridiculously long SS rides and races!

[@jockardl]

3:56 Its actually just weight in your case. The argument with unsprung weight only works with full suspension bikes

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Ya I used the wrong term there haha, meant to say rotational weight

[@dombeck221]

This is the hybrid/gravel bike you need...

[@mleavitt787]

Do you ride trials? You seem exactly like the kind of person who would enjoy the sport! Also, on my single speed, I haven’t done anything for my chain in six months and it still feels amazing.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Not yet, but I’m getting increasingly interested!! Have you ridden much trials? What’s a good way to start?

[@mleavitt787]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I've ridden trials for about three years now. Just learning on a hardtail is a great way to start. The three biggest things you want are high engagement hubs, strong brakes, and the right gear ratio. For your gear ratio, you need something that's easy to lift the front wheel with, but still lets you accelerate and get up to a decent rolling speed. For single speeds, 22:18 is super common in trials. If you have a derailleur, just find what feels right. I personally like fourth gear on my 10-52 Sram GX setup. For tutorials, Super Rider, Ali Clarkson, and The Useless Trials all have some great tutorials for various trials skills.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Right on, thank you Max!!

[@michaels8607]

Let me ask the real question...Can a single speed provide the gearing good enough to ride 25-100 mile rides???Are you saying if I get a Trance 3 that i cannot complete 50-200 mile rides?I am asking because even when I had three rings and a hardtail I did a LOT of 100+mile rides usually in one ring,except for steep long hills...

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Like I said in the video, I personally don’t think so, at least not with any significant elevation change. I’d say I’m relatively fit and even the 12ish mile ride I did with relatively little elevation change kicked my butt! I think the single speed excels in

[@michaels8607]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy ok,so if I want a bike that can excel in long distances then what are the options?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

50+ miles is a lot, and to be honest a bit out of my wheel house haha. If those miles are going to be on more moderate singletrack or fire roads than I’d look into a gravel bike. If you’re talking distances like that on legit MTB trails than probably a full suspension XC or “down country” bike. Look at what riders are using for the BC Bike Race; it’s an epic multi-day race with hundreds of miles and thousands of feet of climbing on pretty gnarly single track. Here’s a link to some bike checks: www.singletracks.com/uncategorized/light-yet-tough-bike-checks-from-bc-bike-race/

[@superevilbrian]

Yes. I've done a few 125 mile rides on a single speed as well as multi-day bikepacking trips, all on the same gear. There's some crushers in the bikepacking world racing ultras on singlespeeds, so yes, it's very possible.

[@31topor]

The improved manuals might come from the immediate response you get from pedal movement. With a derailleur you need to take up slack before your pedal stroke has any effect. I don’t manual so this is just my guess.

[@marlonbromfield2558]

Love this, thank you, I ride a track bike and I'm looking to get a Charge Cooker single speed mountain bike. I'm excited thank you.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Nice!! I think you’d love it, especially with your experience on a fixie 👌

[@oreocarlton3343]

Chainline is direct and not twisted everyone can notice that it's not placebo, so instant blows of power are more enjoyable

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Makes sense, thanks!

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I think it's for manuals as well, everything is more responsive and precise since less flexing of cogs and entire system

[@fkfrantic]

I ride single speed. Ride on my dirt jump bike stand on the pedal with lower seat. Max km per day 100.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s rad!! Riding the SS setup on my trail bike makes me feel like a kid riding my BMX around town, love it!

[@millerman692]

Good job. And I rediscovered ss through DirtWireTV. As he says, ss forces you into better shape and that's what has happened to me. Best wishes.

[@TheFatSteez]

Do you find SS has any effect on your preferred bike geo? Particularly reach. In my head I picture a slightly longer bike being better for getting out of the saddle and cranking

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Interesting idea! I can’t say I’ve noticed that yet. I tend to prefer slightly smaller bikes as they’re easier to maneuver underneath you, and I think I would see this as a benefit for SS; easier to muscle it up/around techy climbs. Maybe it would come more into effect climbing foreroads vs technical single track? I would definitely say that a higher stack is helpful though, so you’re not super hunched over for the extended list of the saddle climbs.

[@TheFatSteez]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Interesting! Thanks for the input. I've got a size too small big al which I might run SS. It's great for throwing around, and flat single, just not so much steeper climbs and descents

[@mattd7814]

Maybe the longer chainstay in single speed mode makes it a bit easier to hold the balance point in manuals/wheelies compared with the slammed mode with the gears. I’ve heard this with BMX, shorter chainstays make it easier to initiate manuals but longer chainstays have a larger balance point window.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Very true! That could definitely be a part of it, thanks for sharing 🤙

[@DEEZEEMTB]

Ditch the suspension fork and go rigid. Pure bliss.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Maybe someday!

[@DaveBouchard-g7f]

Yes! A rigid single speed will climb like a rocket if you are in shape. Tech sections are more fun when you're crawling down them picking careful lines as well.

[@przemo009]

What about 1x7 dh drivetrain(10-24 x 34) on a hardtail?(nukeproof scout 275) It is very flat where I live but I want to take my bike few times in year to the mountains. Some bikepark riding and some climbing aswell but mostly flat gravel roads. Someone riding like that? Or just go 1x12?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

You definitely could! But you’d loose the bombproof, low maintenance setup of a single speed. Honestly for me this is a bit of a one or all situation for me haha

[@Hambonebodi]

No derailer to break, single speed is great, try shorter cranks and a fixed gear , oh single speeds you are the gear .❤ You will be bombing hills faster than ever on everything ❤.

[@chris4536]

I'm on board with the message of the video but it seems odd that you were wearing a lid for the entire time to stand next to your bike!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Safety first 😂

[@chris4536]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy 😆😆

[@psullivan265]

The book of cog . Chapter one, Verse one, To one ,is to be at one ,with The One.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

😂😂

[@ninjaxd9050]

As a single speed rider for life, the entirety of any MTB gear set up is just granny gears for me, give me a 30t front and 10t rear and watch me climb, it'll still be easier than my road set up. Just constantly ride in a gear slightly too hard and let your body adapt, I'm not even as strong as I could be, the human body is capable of insane amounts of torque. And imo single speed is easier on your knees as with a geared bikes the torque numbers are much more peaky (as opposed to consistent) as you switch through the gears, definitely doesn't feel nice having the required torque just suddenly increased mid pedal stroke.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I don’t care how fit you are 30:10 ain’t getting you up a 10% grade on technical single track, might work for road or gravel, but not mtb

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

Hey, i just converted my hardtail mtb from a 3x8 to a 1x12, compared to my 8 speed cassete the 12 speed one weighs 200g more and when I put it on my wheel set it felt somewhat more heavy. would this affect the ability for my bike to track the ground even though its a hardtail?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I don’t think so, most hardtails run a 12 speed cassette. You should be ok!

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

thx! keep shreding that single speed RSD!

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thank you man!!

[@aimanmohamed8212]

How do u combat with hurting ankles?! 😢

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I haven't noticed any particular ankle pain from the SS setup. I do, however, where ankle braces for bike park/dirt jump stuff because I've broken them before

[@jagrutikhandekar1545]

For something that can generate variable torque, single speed is the best machine ever for electric as well as Human

[@RyanJardina]

Next video, single speed fixie :D

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Now that’s hardcore!! For some reason fixie mtb turned into a bit of a thing around 2010, and the 16 year old version of me was stoked on it 😂

[@ThalassTKynn]

The only thing worse than a single speed guy is a hub gearbox guy like me. You could totally have the best of both worlds with a 3 speed or 5 speed hub on the back.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I heard that suggestion from someone else and am super curious to try one! Any particular models you recommend?

[@ThalassTKynn]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I've only had experience with old Sturmey Archer hubs, and I really like them. But I don't know if they would be tough enough for mountain biking. My bikes are just city bikes. I do kinda want to try that one day, though.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Good to know! I’ll definitely look into those!

[@oiyo5124]

any option for 12s shimano Microspline?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Definitely! A little speedier, but they’re out there! Here’s a link to an option from Problem Solvers: problemsolversbike.com/products/drivetrain/zinger-single-speed-conversion-kit-for-micro-spline

[@tomb3667]

How do u know if someone rides a single speed, They’ll tell you, also I ride a ss lol

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

100% 😂😂

[@matthayes8237]

Single speed dose make you a better climber when you get on a geared bike

[@358life6]

I've got a beard to, maybe that has something to do with wanting a single.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha must be 🤷‍♂️

[@Fxd_bean]

Next step is try fixed gear mtb hole difrent ball game

[@marilynjernigan4673]

No issues with assembly for me kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L but I could see where some might benefit from using an experienced bike assembler/mechanic. I'm an older rider starting back after a 10 year break. This bike exceeds my capabilities and has been easy to get comfortable riding. I'm mostly on easy trails with almost no street riding and have not been disappointed with the performance of the bike. My fitness level is far below what I previously rode with and because of that the mileage is going on the bike slowly. While I'm losing weight slowly, the bike seems to tolerate my 220 pounds just fine. The bike has been used by several family members ranging from 5'5" - 5'9".

[@xm.u]

Is that single speed good for long road i have marlin 5

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Not great, you’ll spin out and run out of gear super fast

[@justingroen3235]

Any impact on your knees?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Not that I've experienced; that said I seldom go on rides that are longer than 10-15 miles and do a good pit of heavy squats/lunges. I'm sure it varies case by case

[@mrvapor4791]

There is no substitute for muscle mass... and conditioning said muscle mass through consistent diet and excercise.

[@scottsmith2052]

Kids are inherently single speeders. Even with gears, kids love standing and grinding up hills.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s true, never thought of it like that! I remember my first trip to Moab with my dad and the climbs have never been that easy ever since 😂

[@Vokunos]

"it wont make you cooler than before you switched to singlespeed"... thats a lie lol

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

My wife still thinks I’m just as lame 😂

[@Paopao621]

For me it's because it's cheaper overall

[@jimmyz5831]

Kinda like having only one girlfriend. You could, but why? JK. Love the simplicity. In my day (70's and up) that's all we had. Good advice for young persons. Might lead to an injury for us older riders putting down so much force on the hills.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha I like it!

[@simonr7097]

As long as there is no mountain where you are 'mountain biking'...

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

If your legs can’t handle them yeah, probably not for you 👍

[@simonr7097]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy mine sure would have me walking uphill :)

[@thepoppunx]

man, just build a dirt jump bike... it wil fills exaclty like a bmx for downhill

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha pretty much, makes things super fun though 🤙

[@thepoppunx]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy yeah... i came from the bmx world, and i olso love doing mountain bike and downhill but i preaty much hate the over complexity of modern mountain bikes... so i build a dirt jump bike, simple, durable, cheeper, and to me they are more fun to ride...

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Exactly! And I think that most modern mountain bikes are catered specifically towards speed, not playfulness/agility. I often compare it skiing/snowboarding, where yes there’s skis/boards designed for racing, but also for the terrain park and powder runs in the back country. Seems like MTB marketing is focused on convincing riders that getting you from A to B as fast as possible is what it’s all about

[@High_Octane]

knees..... that is all.

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Haha fair enough! Enjoying my 20s for now, might hate myself for it later

[@High_Octane]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy ha! Worth it.. I think.

[@sebikelifeusvetparatrooper]

🥸

[@sebikelifeusvetparatrooper]

🤡

[@tombeck129]

If SS gives you knee problems, avoid it. I have been riding and racing singlespeed for 15 years, until I was 58 years old. This included many 8 hour solo races and until 53 it was all on a rigid SS bike too! I still have my single speed (down from 34:19 to 30:19) and still love that feeling. But I am 60 years old and no longer race, but the knees are still ok. 🤞

[@angelicafernandez9831]

Fix gear MTB when?

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Gosh, I don’t know if I’m tough enough for that haha!

[@angelicafernandez9831]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy the only thing you need Is your will power, thats the soul of fix riding,the Will to overcome even if your legs say you can no More >:)

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

I like it!

[@mariovidmar7]

is it my imagination or every bike mechanic and mtb bmx etc. bike rider have missing (chiped ) couple teeths

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

lol if you ride bikes long enough it’s bound to happen 😂

[@bartmullin8018]

Briefly went SS; my knees hated me more and it took longer to recover. Ended up having installed an Advent X 1 x 10 setup; Best, most cost-effective thing I've done with my bike in a minute. I can ride more days in a row and not be so shattered post-ride; I'm 51 and riding SS north of your 30s is not the wisest call or the most fun. Also, SS is not the best choice for Bikepacking if you want to be comfortable...

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Sorry to hear about the knee issues! I actually came off AdventX when I switched to SS and can agree, best dollar-for-dollar drivetrain by a long shot! Most of my rides are under 10 miles and I’ve really been enjoying it, but I’m sure I’ll switch back at some point!

[@bartmullin8018]

It's a time and mileage thing; many years on a bike and I'm not trying to prove anything to anybody, especially at this point of my life. My goal is to be riding when I'm in my 70s, so, i avoid doing things that will short-circuit that goal. Met a Very cool lady on the Emigrant Trail in Truckee that was 70-something and riding a Juliana f.s. trail-bike; super cool moment of inspiration by the elders of the tribe (!).

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

That’s an awesome story!! Thanks for sharing, keep enjoying the ride 🤙

[@bartmullin8018]

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Will do, once the majority of the snow has melted in the Peavines and Sierras. It's a snow-shoe, split-board, or back-country ski scenario currently on any of the trails here or in the Sierras; not really a winter sports person though. Born & raised in SoCal; close to year-round riding or beach access; you just waited 2-3 days for the trails (Adobe soil; plus when dry, fast and flowy up or downhill) to dry out and you were good. [Check out the riding in L.A./O.C. if you ever get a chance to; you won't regret it. Ocean views/can see Catalina island from the land side of Corona del Mar state park and if you cross P.C.H., you're at the beach. There is also a campground at El Moro; unofficial official name of trail area in C.D.M. Just know you're dealing with more traffic down there and not be in a hurry to the trailheads; travel during Non-peak hours! Lower PCH gets skinny and you get rolling gridlock starting at 16:00 and the 405/5 South has the same rolling gridlock at peak hours too.].

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Thanks for the tips! I’m actually in that area now! So far I’ve ridden Rancho De La Costa in Encinitas, Mission Trails in SD, and Santiago Oaks in Anaheim. Super fun stuff! Where are you based now?

[@ResonantElecDesign]

"won't make you cooler" WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG

[@ridingwithjoshandwendy]

Tell that to my wife 😂😂

[@ResonantElecDesign]

Tell that to my knees.